Saturday, January 10, 2015

The Printed Fabric Bee: My Old World Map Fabric

Finally, my Old World Map fabric is complete. This month's theme from Queen Bee, Lisa Chin, was a tough one but that's part of the fun of being a member of The Printed Fabric Bee! Challenges str..et..ch you!

Since Lisa had requested the colors of old maps, I knew that my color palette would be a toned-down one. I started with some tea-dyed fabric. For my first layer I decided to do a flour paste resist. I knew that the crackle designs would age the fabric and make an interesting background texture.

I spread a layer of flour paste across the fabric.

After the paste dried, I manipulated the fabric to form small cracks and then painted over the resist. The paint seeped into the cracks.

After setting the paint and removing the resist, this is what the background looked like.

For the next layer, I wanted to give the impression of land and water. I tore freezer paper masks and ironed them to the fabric.

I applied two different colors of diluted transparent fabric paint over the masks and let them dry. The painted mixed under the paper for some color gradations.

I decided to design and carve a Speedball Speedy Carve print block based on a compass rose design.

I like how the design forms a grid (like a map) and you can still see through to the layers below.

Thanks, Mary Ann. I had many ideas but all seem too complicated. Even this piece was multiple layers. I think I'm most proud of the fact that I got the colors "right". I'm usually one for bolder colors so this was certainly a challenge for me!

Fabric Designs for Caos on F Gallery

I've created a number of fabric designs for Caos on F Gallery's collection; Caos on Fabric. My designs include: Organic: #8 and #9; Geometric: #2 through #6. Click on the photo. Go to Handpainted Fabrics.

Julie B. Booth Interview at Caos on F Gallery

click on photo to view video

Featured Tutorials

Click on photos below for "how to" information.

Designing a Speedy Carve Block

Transferring the Design to the Block

Carving a Speedy Carve Block

Printing the Speedy Carve Block

Copyright

All artwork and text in this blog (unless otherwise noted) is copyrighted by Julie B. Booth. Images and/or text may not be reproduced, manipulated or used in any way without Julie's written permission

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